Okay so you’re going to Maui and maybe you’re a little concerned how you’re going to afford it.
Well, fear not — there are some akamai (that’s Hawaiian for clever) ways to save money in Maui, too. Let’s check them out:
Shop at Costco
Let’s be honest: there’s absolutely nothing sexy or Hawaiian-vacation-like about Costco. It’s basically a giant warehouse for consumers to stock-pile all the goods they’ll ever need — like food, drinks, beach gear and even summer attire.
And yet, Costco is very useful, dependable and affordable, which means a lot in Hawaii where the price of food is about triple that of the Mainland.
Bonus: the most affordable gasoline on the island can always be found at Costco.
Eat where the locals eat
Maui is FULL of world-class restaurants. Many of them have world-class prices to match, which makes it hard for many locals and frugal travelers to frequent.
Some Maui restaurants don’t cost much at all and are just as delicious. Tin Roof in Kahului is one. Kihei Caffe is another. So is Fork and Salad.
Go to free shows
Three of Hawaii’s most fabulous past times are hula shows, ukulele lessons and live Hawaiian music. Traditionally, these performances have been free to the public — and to this day they still are!
To catch some free hula, ukulele lessons and live music check out these venues across Maui:
Do things outdoors
Obvious, right? Maui — all of Hawaii, in fact — is meant to be enjoyed outside rather than in. Beaches, lush valleys, rain forests, volcanoes, dining al fresco — living outdoors will change the way you see the world, in the most beautiful ways.
Just remember sunblock, drinking water and staying safe on the trail or ocean.
Take full advantage of Happy Hour
Great drinks and food at great prices — who doesn’t love happy hour? Maui is full of spectacular happy hours. Some of our favorites are:
- Monkeypod Kitchen, 3–5:30 pm and 9–11 pm daily, Wailea and Ka’anapali
- Down the Hatch, 2–6 pm daily, Lahaina
- Tommy Bahama’s, 2–5 pm daily, Wailea
- Sarento’s on the Beach, drinks 2-5:30 pm and appetizers 3-5:30 pm daily, Wailea
- Maui Brewing Company, 3:30–5:30 pm and 9:30-11 pm daily, Kihei
- The Red Bar at Gannon’s, 3–8 pm daily (except Dec 23–Jan 1), Wailea
Want more happy hours? Try this website
Join a Friday Town Party
On Maui, you can always rely on a Friday night party thanks to the Maui County Office of Economic Development which puts on weekly events around the island featuring “a special night of Maui culture, friendly faces and free entertainment.” Watch to learn more:
Stroll through a National Wildlife Refuge
Looking for some peace and quiet within a protected salt water marsh? Then you must spend an hour or two at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.
At Keālia Pond, you can view several endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, seasonal migratory birds and other creatures such as the Hawaiian hawksbill turtle in their natural habitat. A long wooden boardwalk that stretches along the coast between Kihei and Ma’alaea makes for a peaceful stroll between marshland and gorgeous beaches of South Maui.
Pay attention to the educational placards — they help you understand the history and significance of the habitat. Free of charge, of course 🙂
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Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui (chat with our in-house Concierge at extension 71).
Image credits: Adrianna Van Groningen, Rosa Say, Louis Hansel, Praveen, Ris & Ry
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
